As the 2023 off-season continues to take shape, the Geelong Cats have begun to prepare for what looks like a chaotic next 12 months for the club.
As it stands, Geelong currently have more than a dozen players eligible for free agency with contracts expiring at the conclusion of the 2024 season.
The Cats elected to seek talent through the draft in 2023 rather than bring in players from rival clubs, with a focus on youth rejuvenation rather than experience.
With two selections in the top 25, the 2022 premiers will hope to bring some more young talent to a list that hosts 11 players who are 30 and older.
Cameron Guthrie, Gary Rohan, Jack Henry, Mitch Duncan, Rhys Stanley, Brandan Parfitt and Tom Hawkins are just some of the few names at the Cattery who will have to decide on their future over the next year.
One of the major talking points is the contract extension for All-Australian defender Tom Stewart. The Herald Sun has reported that talks are already well underway for a deal that would see Stewart extend his contract by at least two seasons to ensure he remains a one-club player.
With the AFL team salary cap set to rise 15% in 2025, the chances of the 30-year-old being well looked after have increased.
Tyson Stengle is another interesting player to keep an eye out for. The All-Australian and premiership player couldn't seem to find his form this season, kicking 29 goals from his 17 games. Expect Geelong to keep him on board given his age and success in previous seasons, however Stengle will be eligible for free agency too given he was previously delisted.
An ageing Patrick Dangerfield also has an expiring contract come next year, with the Cats faithful having to wait to see how next season progresses, with the Geelong captain potentially making a late contract call in his 17th season in the AFL.
With Geelong pushing to drive in youth the draft route, anticipate a few names currently unsigned for beyond next year to need to wait before an offer is tabled.
Geelong's 2024 off-contract list:
Jed Bews*, Jack Bowes, Jhye Clark, Ted Clohesy, Patrick Dangerfield*, Mitch Duncan*, Phoenix Foster, Joe Furphy, Zach Guthrie*, Tom Hawkins*, Jack Henry*, Oliver Henry, Max Holmes, Jake Kolodjashnij*, Oisin Mullin, Mark O'Connor*, Brandan Parfitt*, Gary Rohan*, Rhys Stanley*, Tyson Stengle*, Tom Stewart*, Zach Tuohy*, James Willis
*Eligible for free agencyÂ
